A New York Comedy in Black and White

In "Frances Ha," Greta Gerwig's latest collaboration with director Noah Baumbach, she plays an aspiring dancer struggling with an existential—and residential—crisis amid a breakup with her best friend.

The film, which opens in New York and Los Angeles May 17, centers on the title character, played by Ms. Gerwig, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mr. Baumbach, her real-life romantic partner. Frances flits from apartment to apartment after her closest friend, Sophie (Mickey Sumner), abruptly decides to move out,...